Meet the ABC 22 / FOX 45 News Team
Alexandra Lewis - Reporter
Alexandra Lewis joins the ABC 22/FOX 45 News Team from her hometown of Houston, Texas.
While in Houston, Alex worked as a Traffic and General Assignment Reporter at KPRC.
Alexandra also spent time in Louisiana, working as a Morning Show Anchor and Reporter for the CBS affiliate in Lafayette. While there, she covered Hurricanes Gustav and Ike and interviewed an array of public figures from Governor Bobby Jindal to Lil Wayne.
Alexs experience in journalism dates to her teen years when she hosted a young adult Morning Show on the former UPN-20 in Houston. At age 13, Alex says she knew news was her calling.
Alexandra earned a B.S. in both Broadcast Journalism and Political Science from the University of Miami (Fla.) Although a Cane for life, Alex says she can appreciate the passion and success of Buckeye Nation. (And doesnt hold a grudge for the 2003 Fiesta Bowl.)
In her spare time, Alex loves to travel, sees as many movies as she can, spends time with her Huskie/Shepherd mix, CoCo, and decorates for every holiday. EVERY holiday.
If you see Alex around town, dont hesitate to say Hi. She loves meeting new people and is anxious to learn as much about the Miami Valley as possible.
Dont forget to catch Alex weekdays on FOX 45 at 10 p.m. and ABC 22 at 11 p.m.
Amber Watson - Reporter
AMBER WATSON is proud to call Dayton home. This award-winning journalist has been a great addition to the ABC 22 and FOX 45 news team.
Amber received her B.A. from the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg. She then continued her studies at Lindenwood University where she received a Master of Arts in Broadcast Media.
Amber has a passion for journalism, "I enjoy hearing peoples stories and many of those stories have inspired me."
Amber is a two time AP award winner and she brings that experience, professionalism, and passion to ABC 22 and FOX 45 News. One of her most memorable stories is when she did an in-depth report on homelessness.
"I met a woman with a college degree who was living on the street. She talked about how street life was rough, being a victim of rape and physical abuse while adjusting to living without a home. That story had a huge impact on me because I feel it helped erase an image some may have on homelessness and how one misfortune can alter your entire life."
One of Amber's favorite quotes is from Benjamin Franklin, "An investment in knowledge pays the best interest."
As a reporter, that's just how Amber approaches each news story, "One of the greatest things about this job is I never stop learning. Through my stories, my goal is to educate the public, empowering them with knowledge and the tools to be proactive within the community."
Amber looks forward to getting to know her neighbors and is excited to explore the Miami Valley. She recently picked up the hobby of cycling and is ready to hit the area bike trails.
You can see Amber's reports weekday mornings from 4:30am to 7am on ABC 22 'Good Morning' & from 7am to 9am on FOX 45 'In the Morning'.
Amber would love to share your stories. If you have an interesting story idea, feel free to send Amber an email.
Annette Peagler - Reporter
Born in Philadelphia, ANNETTE PEAGLER has four years of multimedia journalism experience and is excited to be a part of a career that makes such a huge impact in the community.
Annette graduated Cum Laude from Hampton University with a Bachelors in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in English. Throughout her tenure at Hampton she interned at several news stations during her summers. She's interned at WCBS News Radio in New York City, WAVY-TV in Portsmouth, VA, and at WCPO-TV, in Cincinnati, where she would later begin her television career.
While at Hampton she was the News Director at WHOV 88.1, the campus radio station. Annette saw a void for news at the station and developed a News Radio show, an idea she created while working at WCBS. She drafted up a proposal, recruited a news team and directed and produced a 30-minute news radio program that aired every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The show received high ratings and earned the station numerous awards. She also was a contributor to the Hampton Script, the campus newspaper.
Annette began her professional career at WCPO-TV in Cincinnati as the stations first ever Apprentice from The E.W. Scripps Company. Through this two-year program, she learned every aspect of the newsroom, from reporting to the assignment desk. She took all of the skills she learned through the program and started to produce the weekend morning newscasts and "one-man band" various stories throughout the week.
After that two-year program, Annette became the Good Morning Tri-State Weekend Producer at WCPO-TV. She also turned stories throughout the week, where she was a one-man band, shooting, writing and editing her pieces.
You can now check out her reports on Fox 45 at 10 p.m. and ABC 22 at 11 p.m.
Her favorite aspect about reporting is helping people through her stories. She also likes that it's something different every day and never a dull moment.
Annette volunteers for the Urban League and Girls Inc. She's also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. She enjoys meeting new people. If you have a story idea, please feel free to email her.
Chelby Kosto - Reporter
CHELBY KOSTO joins ABC 22 and FOX 45 NEWS with more than a decade of reporting experience. Most recently, Chelby worked at our Sinclair sister stations WSYX/WTTE in Columbus. The lure of family brought her to the Miami Valley and she says she couldn't be happier.
Chelby grew up in Newark, Ohio and knew at a very young age she wanted to be a news reporter. Her grandmother worked as a newspaper journalist in Cambria County PA, and Chelby said "It was in my blood!"
After graduating with an Electronic Media degree from the University of Cincinnati, College Conservatory of Music, Chelby started her broadcasting career in Zanesville, where she reported, produced and anchored WHIZ-TV's first-ever morning show.
Kosto then headed south to Louisiana and covered the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina on New Orleans and Baton Rouge. A Buckeye at heart, Chelby came back to Ohio and worked in both the Dayton and Cincinnati markets.
She cheers on the Bearcats, and the Bengals! You'll also find her at a Reds game! Chelby and her husband Jeremy live in Beavercreek.
You can watch Chelby Kosto's reports every night on ABC 22 at 6:00 and FOX 45 at 6:30.
Chris Mulcahy - Meteorologist
CHRIS MULCAHY is originally from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, but he's lived all over. In his early wonder years he grew up in Montana. This is where his fascination of weather came into play. He remembers driving through this monster lightning storm with extreme wind gusts and the next day, he took out the book Thunderstorms for Kids. And so it goes.
Chris graduated college from Florida State University (Go Noles!) in 2009 with a Bachelors in Meteorology and got his first green screen experience with the 4FSU weather show. From there he moved out to Sioux City, Iowa, to work for Channel 9. It was there that he gained his severe weather experience including a 5 1/2-hour long cut in, that put down 30 tornadoes across the area! But now he's glad he can utilize that experience here in the Miami Valley!
On the side when not in the Weather Center or out reporting up a storm, Chris loves playing guitar and writing songs. He loves a good Blu Ray, watching his favorite teams attempt to make him happy for the evening and just being outside (when it's warm out or else he will be hibernating on his days off).
Chris looks forward to his time here in Dayton and so far so good! You can catch him on ABC 22 and FOX 45 on the weekends and also on FOX 45 In the Morning doing anything from Super Duper Philly Cheese Steak Challenges to making pizzas with Mr. Slice. Hope to see you soon!
Deborah Linz - Anchor
Deborah Linz previously worked at WCHS in Charleston, West Virginia. She is married with two great kids, Colby and Samantha Brea! She grew up in Olney, Maryland, and went to college at Virginia Tech. Yes, she is a proud Hokie but she's excited now to be living and working in the Buckeye State.
She has worked as a news anchor and reporter in several markets, including Roanoke, Virginia; Springfield, Illinois; Washington, D.C.; Baltimore and most recently Charleston.
Deborah has won an EMMY for a series of reports on St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital and was EMMY nominated 4 times for both reporting and anchoring. She was voted Best Anchor by WV Broadcasters Association & WV Associated Press a total of 12 times.
She enjoys running, biking, traveling, lounging on the beach and reading an endless array of books! She is also a strong animal advocate and has gotten a number of animal cruelty prevention laws passed in the state of West Virginia.
Elyse Coulter - Reporter
ELYSE COULTER is excited to call Dayton home! She grew up in Youngstown,Ohio, and traveled south to Columbus, where she studied Journalism at The Ohio State University. She is a proud Buckeye! OH-IO!
Elyse comes to the Miami Valley from Winchester, VA. There she was the morning anchor and reporter. She found her passion for news while she worked at WSYX/WTTE in Columbus, Ohio. There she was the part-time writer,but also learned how to shoot, edit and filled in as a reporter.
Outside of work Elyse enjoys staying active and sight-seeing. Elyse loves meeting new people and loves hearing from viewers. If you ever see her out don't hesitate to say hello!
You can see Elyse's reports at 6 and 6:30 on ABC22 and Fox45 NEWS.
Hilary Zalla - Reporter
HILARY ZALLA is thrilled to be back home and working in the great state of Ohio. She is the traffic anchor for ABC22 NEWS 'Good Morning' and FOX45 NEWS 'In The Morning'.
If there is anyone who knows Southwest Ohio highways inside and out, it's Hilary! She grew up in Cincinnati, but as soon as she got her license, she started to explore all around Ohio, including the Miami Valley.
Hilary graduated from Xavier University in May 2011 with a degree in Mass Communications and Electronic Media. In the summer of 2010, she interned at New York One News where she hit the streets and interviewed residents on controversial issues. Hilary was voted "most likely to succeed" out of the interns that summer.
After graduating from Xavier, she was hired as lead anchor and reporter for NBC North Dakota News in Minot, North Dakota. The city received national attention when it saw record breaking flooding, and so did Hilary, when her reports streamed live on MSNBC.com.
When Hilary is not keeping an eye on the roads for you, you can find her hanging out with her three sisters or traveling around the world (she studied abroad in Wales in college).
So, don't head out on your morning commute without watching Hilary's 'On Time Traffic' reports!
If you want to contact Hilary, email her at hazalla@sbgnet.com.
Jack Atherton - Anchor
Jack Atherton says he can finally admit liking Marion's Pizza more than a certain Cincinnati brand. Jack anchored in Cincinnati for 19 years, at the FOX and NBC stations, but says he and his wife have always been "bi-coastal," coming to Dayton often for the Art Institute, the Philharmonic, the Neon Theater -- and extra cheese!
Jack was born in Morristown, New Jersey. He studied history at Yale and law at Columbia before practicing law for seven years in New York City. He then returned to Columbia for a master's in journalism and anchored in San Antonio and Miami before coming to Ohio, which he calls the greatest place anywhere to raise a family -- in his case, two girls.
Jack's specialty is politics. He tries to cover issues that have the biggest impact on viewers' lives by letting each side make their strongest arguments. Let him know if you have any stories you want us to cover.
You can watch Jack co-anchor our 6, 6:30, 10 and 11 pm newscasts on ABC22 and FOX45.
Jackie Couture - Anchor / Reporter
JACKIE COUTURE has seen human nature at its best and worst. That's what makes her such a passionate journalist. From politics and health news to crime and extreme weather Jackie brings reporting experience and unique storytelling to ABC 22 and FOX 45 NEWS.
A graduate from Emerson College in Boston, this New England native is excited about experiencing the 'milder winters' here in the Miami Valley. "While working in Portland, Maine I did many reports on extreme weather that turned people's lives upside down," said Jackie,"Though, one of my most memorable stories was covering the death and legacy of the late Massachusetts Senator Edward Kennedy."
Outside of work Jackie stays active. She enjoys sightseeing and traveling. Jackie and her husband Ryan love to explore the many different areas where we live. She loves meeting people from all walks of life and having the opportunity to share their stories with others. Jackie would love to hear from you, too!
Watch for Jackie anchoring weekends and reporting weekdays on ABC 22 and FOX 45News.
James Rider - Sports Anchor / Reporter
JAMES RIDER is excited about returning to Dayton. As a Centerville High School graduate he is familiar with the Miami Valley. From Centerville, James attended Ball State University and graduated in 2010.
While in college he interned in the sports department with Nathan Baker here at ABC 22 and FOX 45. James began his career at WLIO-TV in Lima as a sports reporter and anchor. From there he rose to the position of Weekend Sports Anchor.
He moved around a lot as a kid since his father served in the Air Force. James has live many places like Virginia, California, Germany and England. He loves any and all sports and is always willing to talk about them so feel free to e-mail him or if you see him around town stop and say hi.
Jeffrey Booth - Meteorologist
JEFF BOOTH is ABC 22 and FOX 45's Chief Meteorologist. Jeff is also a full member of the American Meteorological Society and the National Weather Association and has received his seals from both organizations.
He came to our stations by way of Hawaii- but don't let his Hawaiian shirt fool you. Jeff Booth is definitely an Ohio native. Jeff's childhood here provided him with several experiences that forced him to get hooked on weather.
"Growing up in the Midwest, I used to root for the heavy snowfalls that would shut down the schools, so I could spend the day on my sled. Those were the first events that got me watching the skies. By the time I was eleven, my interest had turned to tornadoes and by the 5thgrade, violent storms were the subject of my science fair project. I actually "made" a tornado using dry ice and a fan" (unfortunately, I perfected the demonstration just AFTER they handed out the grades, so I got a B+).
Jeff began his broadcasting career co-hosting a public access show in college and worked for several radio stations before deciding to work in TV news and weather in 2002. He started reporting the weather on a part-time basis in the hills of West Virginia at WOAY-TV. "I think what drew me in was the fact that weather affects everyone regardless of who they are or where they're from so, I decided to go back to school and study meteorology." After finishing school, Jeff took a job in Lima, Ohio at WLIO-TV and received his first taste of morning news as a morning weather anchor. In late 2004, he accepted a job at KGMB-9 as the weekend weather anchor and quickly moved up to become their weekday morning meteorologist. In all those years, hes covered all types of weather conditions- from crippling ice storms to hurricanes.
Some interesting things you may not know about Jeff;
- He's a big Star Wars fan
- He's a mediocre surfer
- He's an experienced potter. "Although I don't play with mud very much anymore."
Jeff, his wife and two kids are all excited to be back home to Ohio.
Jeff brings you the forecast each weeknight at 6, 6:30, 10, and 11 on ABC 22and FOX 45 NEWS.
Lee Ann Okuly - Meteorologist
LEE ANN OKULY joins ABC 22 and FOX 45 from neighboring Indiana. She is a Purdue graduate and a member of the American Meteorological Society.
Lee Ann is a Midwest native, growing up in Huntington Indiana. Yes the hometown of former Vice President Dan Quayle. Although a Hoosier at heart, she is glad to now be a Buckeye.
Lee Ann has worked all over the Midwest. She got her start working weekends in West Lafayette while still in school. Then the day of graduation she moved up to northern Wisconsin. She spent 2 VERY snowy years in Wausau before heading back home to Indiana. She then spent 2 years in Fort Wayne before moving to Dayton.
Ive lived in the Midwest my whole life. Ive seen everything from ice storms, to blizzards, to severe weather, to anything in between. Nothing surprises me when it comes to the weather in this area. You have to be ready for anything and everything!
But Lee Ann isnt all weather. She is also a HUGE NASCAR fan. She has been to several races, including the Brickyard 400 six times.
Watch for Lee Ann every weekend on ABC 22 and FOX 45 News.
Liza Danver - Reporter
LIZA DANVER is an award-winning journalist and Miami Valley native.
After graduating with honors from Ohio University, she went on to be an anchor and reporter in Peoria, IL; Evansville, IN; and Indianapolis, IN. But after years away from the Buckeye State, Liza was happy to return home.
Liza's experience and reporting skills are a welcome addition to the ABC 22 and FOX 45 news team. She has been recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists and Associated Press for Best Breaking News Coverage. Liza also received the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award for uncovering sexual discrimination in a youth football league.
In her spare time, Liza enjoys spending time outdoors, cooking for friends and family, and (when she can get down south) scuba diving! She especially loves hiking with her dog, Bailey.
You can see Liza's reports weeknights at 6pm, 6:30pm, 10pm, & 11pm on ABC22 and FOX 45 NEWS.
Meghan Mongillo - Anchor / Reporter
MEGHAN MONGILLO feels lucky to be a part of this exciting and interesting profession. She's a people person who enjoys striking up conversations with folks from around the community.
For this Ohio native, being in the know is key: "I enjoy telling the stories that matter most, the stories that are important to you."
Meghan is pretty familiar with Southwest Ohio. She comes to ABC 22 and FOX 45 by way of Cincinnati where she was a reporter and morning news anchor. After her 5 years in Cincinnati, Meghan has developed a passion for the Reds and Bengals and garnered experience that helps her bring a different perspective to our morning news team.
Meghan grew up in the small town of Columbiana,OH, just south of Youngstown,and is the oldest of four girls. She attended Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh, PA where she graduated Cum Laude with a degree in Communications.
Meghan was a four year starter for the RMU Eagle women's volleyball team. She still enjoys playing and coaching volleyball, but shes got a another side too; she also likes reading Better Homes and Gardens, baking cookies, and decorating her house each holiday.
Meghan's most memorable news story is one that she not only covered, but also became involved in: "I was reporting live from a crime scene where a young woman had been raped and robbed. As we were breaking down our equipment to leave, I noticed a pair of earrings on the ground. The investigators had already left, so I scooped them up with my script(careful not to touch them - I watch too many cop shows) and took them to the Sheriff's Office. It turns out they belonged to the victim and had the suspects DNA on them! I later testified at the trial and the man was convicted."
Meghan is happy to be in the Miami Valley and a part of the morning news team. Hopefully she can put a smile your face each morning, too. You can see Meghan at the anchor desk and on the couch weekdays from 4:30-7am on ABC 22 'Good Morning' and from 7-9am on FOX45 'In the Morning'.
Mike Kallmeyer - Anchor
Mike has covered Ohio news for 20 years and is happy to be home in Southwest Ohio. He is a 5-time winner of the Associated Press Best Anchor in Ohio award, and an EMMY award-winning writer.
A graduate of Ohio University, Mike began his broadcast career as a producer at WKRC in Cincinnati. From there, he moved on to WTAP-TV in Parkersburg, WV, ONN/WBNS-TV in Columbus, and then to WSYX ABC6 in Columbus.
Mike enjoys traveling, skiing and golf, but most of his time is family time. The rest of the household is all female! He lives with his wife, Jill, sassy 5-year old daughter, Elizabeth, spunky 1-year-old Emily, and high-maintenance five-pound Yorkie, Chloe.
Nathan Baker - Sports Director / Reporter
NATHAN BAKER hails from Union, OH where he graduated from Northmont High School.He attended Bowling Green State University in 2003.
Nathan began his career as a news reporter at WLIO-TV in Lima, OH. His career turned towards sports after taking a sports anchor position at the WOHL/WLMO station in Lima. Shortly after taking the position, Nathan became the sports director. Nathan joined ABC 22 and FOX 45 NEWS in April 2006 as the weekend sports anchor and reporter.
He is excited about being in Dayton and loves covering his two favorite pro teams: the Reds and the Bengals. Nathan likes to spend his spare time with his family and friends. He is also an avid golfer, outdoorsman, and loves watching any and all sports.
Nicole Grigg - Reporter
NICOLE GRIGG joins the ABC 22 and FOX 45 News team as a general assignment reporter. Nicole was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, where she says the heat is dry! She graduated from Arizona State University's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication with her degree in Journalism and Mass Communications.
After graduation, Nicole started her career at KULR-TV in Billings, Montana, as a reporter. Nicole says she was forced to adapt to the cold, but says Montana was a breath of fresh air. One of the most memorable stories while in Montana for Nicole was when she got the opportunity to travel to Fort Bliss, Texas, with the Montana Army National Guard as the soldiers trained to head to Afghanistan. She says she is forever humbled from that experience. Thank you to all who serve and have served to protect this great nation, said Nicole.
Nicole has been recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists with a first-place award in Spot News Reporting.
This is the farthest east Nicole has ever been but says she is excited to officially be apart of the Midwest. Obviously an Arizona Cardinals fan, she thinks she can learn to love the Bengals, too, she said. Nicole loves a friendly face, so if you see her out and about, don't hesitate to say hello!
You can catch Nicole on air Monday through Friday on ABC 22 at 6 p.m. and FOX 45 at 6:30 p.m.
Rhonda Moore - Reporter
RHONDA MOORE is a Dayton native and graduated Cum Laude with a B.A. in Mass Communications from Wright State University. Rhonda started her career at ABC 22/FOX45 as an Assignment Editor, then she became a Producer & Reporter. Rhonda later moved on to work as a news and sports reporter/anchor in Memphis, Tennessee.
Rhonda is proud of her "exclusive" interviews with Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and former South African President Nelson Mandela. She has also interviewed many other famous politicians and athletes such as Colin Powell, Former President Jimmy Carter, former first lady Barbara Bush, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Michael Jordan, Shaquille O' Neal, Walter Payton, Andre Agassi, legendary Cowboys coach Tom Landry, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, Cowboys players Emmitt Smith, Michael Irvin, "Too Tall" Jones and Jay Novacek.
She's also interviewed a number of entertainers and celebrities: Dave Chappell, Susan Sarandon, Tony Bennett, Billy Ray Cyrus, B.B. King, Earl Woods (Tiger's dad), John Travolta, Angela Bassett, Fabio, Bernie Mac, Harry Belafonte and many more.
While in Memphis, Rhonda reported on the Jonesboro, Arkansas, school shootings. She also covered from beginning to end the West Memphis murders, which made national news and later became an HBO documentary. She also appeared on the Sally Jesse Raphael talk show to talk about a local story in Memphis that made national news. In 2001, Rhonda returned home and rejoined ABC22 / FOX45. Rhonda has covered everything from breaking news to sports to community events. She helped viewers with consumers problems with her weekly segment "Help Me Rhonda" and she looked out for everyone who eats out with her weekly segment "Eat at Your Own Risk" which put the spotlight on local restaurants.
Rhonda is a member of the Greater Dayton Association of Black Journalists and is very active in the Miami Valley. She often serves as the mistress of ceremonies for many events and participates in an annual journalism "boot camp" teaching high school and college students about broadcast journalism. Outside of work, Rhonda enjoys playing tennis, golf, jogging, rollerblading, and watching sports (especially football). She claims to be the Dallas Cowboys #1 fan.
You can catch Rhonda's reports on ABC 22 Good Morning and FOX 45 In the Morning.
Wale Aliyu - Reporter
WALE ALIYU is excited to be a part of the Miami Valley community and the ABC 22/FOX 45 news team. Although he has always lived in the mid-west, living in Dayton is a new adventure. Wale joins the ABC 22/FOX 45 after reporting at ABC 17/FOX38 in Columbia, Missouri. Wale grew up in Columbia and graduated Cum Laude with a Convergence Journalism degree from the University of Missouri.
Wale has worked several different jobs in various newsrooms since the age of 15.
In addition to broadcast, Wale also has experience reporting for newspaper, Radio and online.
When Wale is not working, he enjoys playing basketball, performing poetry, and he loves to dance. Wale is also a member of the Greater Dayton Association of Black Journalists and the Dayton Church of Christ.
You can catch Wale's reports on FOX 45 @ 10 & ABC 22 @ 11.
